The federal FOIA does not provide access to records held by state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. Most states, and some local jurisdictions, have their own laws about access to state and local records.

Making Requests

Consult the Making a Request link if you plan to make a FOIA request to the Federal Trade Commission. You may be able to access the information you need on the Internet without making a FOIA request. Before making a FOIA request, you should browse our FOIA Reading Room and search the ftc.gov website. Both contain many documents that are available to the public.

The designation of a Chief FOIA Officer at the Assistant Secretary level or equivalent. The Chief FOIA Officer will conduct a review of the Agency's FOIA operations.

The creation of a FOIA Requester Service Center to enable FOIA requesters to inquire about the status of their requests and obtain information about the Agency's FOIA program.

The establishment of a Requester Service Center for those seeking information under the FOIA. Any inquiries about specific requests, including status reports, or general questions about FOIA should be directed to our Requester Service Center on the FOIA Hotline at (202) 326-2430.

The designation of a Public Liaison with whom FOIA requesters can raise concerns about the service they receive from the Agency's Requester Service Center, following an initial response from the Center's staff.

The establishment of an Agency plan for improving the administration of the FOIA program.